The top priority remains the Government Flats complex southwest of The Dalles. Sparked by lightning, the three fires in the complex -- the Blackburn, Government Flat and Wells -- have scorched nearly 6,500 acres, forcing the evacuation of nearly 80 households. The fire ran 300 feet per minute on Monday, flying over roads that firefighters were using as containment anchors.

"It just demonstrates the extreme fire behavior that they're experiencing on the ground," said Carol Connolly, spokeswoman for the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.

The fire, which is 10 percent contained, is expected to make more upslope runs Tuesday, swept by winds up to 25 miles an hour. The America Red Cross has set up a shelter for displaced residents at
the Dry Hollow Elementary School at 1314 E. 19th St. in The Dalles.

Elsewhere:

The Vinegar fire northeast of John Day, has charred more than 900 acres and remains zero percent contained. The blaze threatens historic structures, recreational resources and trails.

The House Creek fire north of Fields has burned nearly 3,000 acres, threatening structures and cultural and historic sites. The fire is 50 percent contained.

The Strawberry complex south of Prairie City is now 60 percent contained at just over 120 acres.

The Big Sheep 2 fire northeast of Joseph has charred about 125 acres of grass and timber, running up steep, inaccessible terrain. The fire, which threatens the Imnaha community, structures and natural resources is 5 percent contained.

The Douglas complex north of Glendale remains the biggest fire in southwest Oregon, covering nearly 49,000 acres. Firefighters have made great progress, however. The complex is now 78 percent contained.